There is provision for pupils who do not have English as their first, native language. This is coordinated by the ESL Department and overseen by Additional Needs department. The aims of the provision are:
* To provide pupils with the necessary language skills to access fully the School curriculum at GCSE and A level by improving the standard of pupils’ general English in all key skills.
* To prepare pupils for external examinations: the iGCSE in English as a Second Language in Fifth form and IELTS* in Sixth form to facilitate university entry.
Initial assessments and class teacher information help to determine the level of support required. Assessment data is used to inform decisions about classroom management and curriculum planning. In cases where ESL and SEND are connected, the ESL Co-ordinator will liaise with Head of Skills/subject teachers where necessary to set targets and plan appropriate work. Relevant information, including the admission information by parents or primary care givers, on pupils with ESL is accessible by all Staff on the School database.
In the Lower School, Stoics have the opportunity to follow courses in English for Academic Purposes. Some pupils study for the IGCSE in English as a Second Language as one of their main GCSE options or as an additional GCSE subject. International Sixth formers may need to be prepared for the IELTS* in order to meet university entrance criteria.
The ESL Department encourages close links with all academic departments, the library, the boarding houses and tutors in order to monitor the progress of individual pupils and to ensure that the ESL programmes are tailored to pupils’ individual needs. This comprehensive approach to ESL teaching as well as the small-group, personalised context of ESL classes enables pupils to maximise their English language development and enhance levels of cross-curricular attainment.
* an alternative qualification, like CPE= Certificate of Proficiency in English (Cambridge ESOL), may be available if required